Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcastSubscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletterFor Sponsorships, please email:[email protected] contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.comFollow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlattFollow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewishGail Simmons has captured our hearts and stomachs as a judge on Bravo’s Emmy and Peabody-winning series Top Chef for more than 18 years! Today, she joins Jonah to discuss her connections to food and family through the lens of her Jewish identity. A Canadian native, she reflects on her Jewish upbringing in Toronto and Montreal and how those Jewish communities persevere today in the face of immense anti-Jew hate. Additionally, she shares her concerns for the future as a Jewish mother, goes deep on all things Top Chef, and of course, sprinkles in some culinary wisdom on Jewish specialties like latkes, kosher pickles, and most importantly, Mom’s Brisket. Together, Jonah and Gail tackle a wide breadth of topics with hope, humor and heart. Mentioned in EpisodeNefesh - Rabbi Susan GoldbergChef Sara BradleyTom ColicchioHen MazzigGail Simmons’ Brisket RecipeInstagram Post by Gail SimmonsChef Birthright TripFranco-Turkish Relationship during First EmpireThe Great PowersAll things Jonah:www.JonahPlatt.comConnect with Gailhttps://www.instagram.com/gailsimmonseats/ Host & Production TeamHost: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Patrick Edwards);, Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Designer Noah Bell Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, and Consulting Producers: Shield Communications (Ariella Noveck & Bethany Mandel).Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes of Being Jewish!00:00 Introduction and Context00:27 The Power of Social Media03:39 Historical Reflections and Call to Action05:34 Practical Steps for Jewish Advocacy07:10 Guest Introduction: Gail Simmons09:01 Gail's Jewish Culinary Heritage12:28 Gail's Career Journey23:52 Top Chef and Cultural Impact29:59 Jewish Food Challenge Ideas31:17 Support and Community Post-October 7th35:04 Social Media Advocacy and Reactions42:05 Memories of Israel and Kibbutz Life46:39 Contemporary Jewish Food and Deli Culture48:55 Thanksgiving Traditions and Preferences50:39 Audience Questions and Reflections56:26 Closing Remarks and Credits

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